SQL Server

Licensing Reference
Licensing reference materials are continuously updated, highly-detailed entries covering Microsoft licensing terms, procedures, practices and timelines.
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Product Reference
Product reference materials are clear, concise definitions and descriptions of Microsoft's ever-growing catalog of products and services.
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SQL Server Roadmap Posts
All SQL Server Roadmaps
Server Application Version Support
This chart displays server application compatibility with Windows Server and SQL Server versions under Mainstream... more
SQL Server Timeline
The latest version of SQL Server, 2022, shipped on Nov. 16, 2022. Future SQL Server releases (shown... more
Database, Analytics, and AI/ML Roadmap – Overall Trends
This section discusses high-level trends that Directions sees in the areas of Database, Analytics, AI, and... more
SQL Server Roadmap
SQL Server is a server-based product that provides database management, integration, reporting, semantic models, and... more
Comparing Database, Analytics, and AI Offerings
Microsoft’s database, analytics, and AI landscape includes on-premises products and Microsoft cloud-based services that are part... more
SQL Server Reporting Services Roadmap
SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a role in SQL Server, Microsoft’s long-standing on-premises database... more
SQL Server Analysis Services Roadmap
SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) is a role in SQL Server, Microsoft’s long-standing on-premises database... more
SQL Server Integration Services Roadmap
SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is a role in SQL Server, Microsoft’s long-standing on-premises database management... more
Database Technologies
Roadmap for Microsoft's on-premises database management, data integration, reporting, analysis, and machine learning products.
SQL Server Analyst Reports
All SQL Server Reports
SQL Server 2025 Gets Engine and AI Updates
Updated: April 11, 2025
SQL Server 2025, in private preview, will bring engine performance improvements, security enhancements, and new...more
Migrating SQL Data Warehouse to Fabric: Compatibility Matters
Updated: April 6, 2025
Although they share a codebase, SQL Server and Fabric have differences that impact migration. SQL...more
SQL Server Management Studio Update Adds Paid Copilot
Updated: January 26, 2025
A new version of SQL Server Management Studio brings the most significant updates to the...more
Executive Focus: The Mounting Risks of On-Premises Server Software
Updated: January 12, 2025
Microsoft’s cloud-first focus reduces the long-term viability of traditional on-premises server software. Organizations using on-premises...more
Executive Focus: SQL Server License Consolidation Provides Tangible Benefits
Updated: November 1, 2024
SQL Server license consolidation is a low-risk effort that delivers cost, compliance, and administrative...more
Database Offerings 2024: Overview and Roadmap
Updated: August 12, 2024
Microsoft offers many database products and services, and customers need to narrow the broad field...more
Evaluating Your SQL Server 2014 Migration Options
Updated: July 26, 2024
Organizations already should have plans to migrate off SQL Server 2014, which reaches the end...more
Database Offerings 2024: Understanding SQL-Based Options
Updated: July 15, 2024
SQL Server remains Microsoft’s preferred structured database management technology for on-premises and Azure deployments, making...more
How Microsoft’s Data Integration and Transformation Offerings Compare
Updated: June 24, 2024
Several Microsoft data integration and transformation offerings are available, and they vary in features, maturity,...more
SQL Server 2014 Integration Services Migration Options
Updated: May 20, 2024
SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is an extract, transform, and load (ETL) platform that can...more
SQL Server 2014 BI Migration Options
Updated: May 20, 2024
SQL Server provides two business intelligence (BI) roles that can impact the complexity and cost...more
SQL Server Migration Tools
Updated: May 20, 2024
Microsoft provides free tools that can help find SQL Server 2014 instances in an organization’s...more
Discounts for Long-Running Azure SQL Data Workloads
Updated: April 23, 2024
Two exclusive purchasing options can be used to reduce costs for all types of long-running...more
Comparing SQL Server Options in Azure & On-Premises
Updated: April 12, 2024
Azure SQL Server–based cloud offerings provide a viable alternative to most on-premises SQL Server deployments....more
Understanding SQL Server Free Failover Rights
Updated: March 22, 2024
SQL Server Software Assurance includes rights to deploy multiple secondary SQL Server operating system environments...more
Buying Server Products via Microsoft Customer Agreements
Updated: January 9, 2024
(Sections of this report have been superseded by “Transitioning Windows Server Under an EA to...more
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